October, 2015 - Hantsport School

HANTSPORT Connection
Welcome to Hantsport School visit us at h p://hantsport.ednet.ns.ca/
Report absences to 902-684-4000
11 School Street, P.O. Box 392
Hantsport, NS B0P 1P0
OCTOBER 2015
Hantsport School Middle Level (6-8) Chromebook Initiative
Some Common Questions and Answers
At Hantsport School we believe that it is very important to provide the opportunity to include technology to enhance instruction, assessment, and student
engagement.
The integration of technology is not something that can be dictated and there is
no magic formula. Students and staff simply need access to digital tools that
add to existing class-room tools used to support productivity, assessment, communication, and classroom management. It will look different in every classroom and with every student, but that is the idea. Students need an environment
where productive and ethical use of technology can be modelled and incorporated within the curriculum.
As with a growing number of schools around the world, in our school board it is possible to provide students
with a device that is more personal to them and available in both home and school. All Hantsport Middle
School students will be issued a Chromebook that they can use during the school year as a way to develop
21st Century skills and support their education.
Students have already had an information session with Mr. Ryan Hainstock regarding what it means to be a
good ‘Digital Citizen’ in preparation for the roll-out of the student Chromebooks.
How does a Chromebook work?
A Chromebook is a small laptop that runs on Google Chrome, the same Internet browser that you may have
installed on your own computer. All students and staff in Nova Scotia will be using Google Apps for Education GAfE, which means their files and tools (apps and software) are hosted in an account. The Chrome-book
is just a way to access that account, so very little is stored on the actual device.
Why is this going to help?
Research shows that when technology is integrated with good teaching practice, that students are more engaged and achievement levels increase. Having a device where students can customize their learning tools and
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Hantsport School Middle Level (6-8) Chromebook Initiative
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not have to worry about access provides more opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum. In addition, Nova Scotia has Information Communication Technology outcomes that all students are expected to cover from grades P-12—including digital citizenship, communication, productivity, problem solving, and operations.
How do you manage a large number of Chromebooks?
The devices and GAfE accounts are managed by the school board. We can remotely set permissions and restrictions, install apps/software, and troubleshoot. As these are educational tools, they fall under school policies, AVRSB policies in the use of technology, and the Student Code of Conduct. In terms of management,
these devices are no different than the computers sitting in our schools.
What is the expectation for the use of the Chromebook?
Students are expected to have their Chromebooks at school and available as needed. Students are permitted to
take the Chrome-books home, understanding that the devices are still a school computer—even outside the
school walls. For a full list of expectations and responsibilities, please refer to the Chromebook Policies and
Procedures document.
Are we responsible if it breaks or is stolen?
Under regular and reasonable use, students are not responsible for theft or damage. However, the school will
determine on a case-by-case basis whether restrictions need to be imposed.
I’m worried about the amount of screen time and social use?
We all are. We live in a digital society and the use of technology is something that needs to be modelled both
at home and in school. These tools are encouraged to be used in situations when it enhances teacher instruction and assessment. There will be many times that the Chromebook is not the best option and students will
be asked to put them away. Under digital citizenship outcomes, students will see the use of technology
through a ethical and critical lens so they can learn how to balance their digital identity into the future.
Boys Soccer
The boys team kicked off another soccer season during a busy week playing three games on September
23rd against Pine Ridge Middle School, on the 24th at Coldbrook School and on the 25th in Mt. Uniacke. They will play their final two regular season games on the 30th in Hantsport at Foundry Field
against Mt. Uniacke and on October 2nd against Coldbrook.
The playoff schedule is set to begin on October 5th and will finish up on October 22nd. The boys will play
three playoff games on October 5th, 7th and 13th with the possibility of three more games depending on
the result of these playoff games. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to come out and support the boys over the next few weeks as they a empt to capture the middle school soccer championship.
Hope to see everyone at the field!! Good luck boys!
Mr. B & Mr. Z
Girls Volleyball begins next week...stay tuned for details
Physical Educa on Notes
This month the students in the Hantsport
Physical Educa%on program have been having
their classes outside and at the Bap%st Church
gym while renova%ons are taking place. All
students are par%cipa%ng in an Ac%ve for Life
fitness unit where they are learning to set
goals for their own personal fitness. The
younger grades have been doing movement
educa%on and enjoying their nature hikes, the
Gr. 3's are playing soccer baseball, Gr. 4/5 are
learning the sport of cricket, Gr. 6-7 classes
are playing tennis and the Gr. 8 class is playing
rugby.
The new Physical Educa%on curriculum also
focuses on coopera%on, conflict resolu%on, considera%on of others, coping strategies and communica%on
with classmates. These aspects of the Physical Educa%on are called Life Skills and they are an important
part of the program.
The weather has cooperated for the month of September and allowed the students to have a number of
classes outdoors. We would like to thank Pastor Mark Hunter for the use of the Bap%st Church on days
when we cannot be outside.
Both the middle school and elementary cross country teams
have competed in a few meets
this month. The results have
been good with a few students
geCng in the top 10. Most of
these races have 30 or more runners in them. Schedules have
been sent home with the students. Another meet has been
added for middle school students
on Oct. 13th at Lockhart Ryan
Park in New Minas.
We will need cars to take the
students to the meets and if you
can drive please contact one of
the coaches.
Office Notes
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Please report absences to 902-684-4000
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School supply fees ($35 for Grades P-5) and student fees ($25) for middle level that are outstanding should be
paid as soon as possible to the office. Cash or cheques payable to Hantsport School are acceptable.
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The office is temporarily located two doors down the hallway to the leI of the lobby as you enter the school.
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Students arriving late to school (past 8:15 am) are to report to the office as they will be marked absent if not in
their home room for accouchements.
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Picture Retake day is Thursday, October 15
Home & School Update
Norcard Fundraisers were sent home earlier this week - please ensure all order
forms (completed/not) are returned no later than Wednesday, October 14th.
2nd Annual Pumpkin Fundraiser - order forms are due back by Friday, October 9th.
Reminder: Pick Up for these will take place during the Harvest Cra Fair, Saturday
October 17th between 9am-2pm.
Hantsport Blend T.A.N. Coffee Fundraiser - monthly gourmet coffee orders - regular/decaf, whole beans/ground - $13/
bag. Orders due Wednesday, October 14th and will go home with students the following week.
***ATTENTION STUDENTS: STAY TUNED FOR NEXT MONTH'S COFFEE CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT!!***
Harvest Fest CraI Fair & Chili Lunch - Saturday, October 17th. If you'd like to book a table for the craI/vendor fair, contact hantsporthomeandschool@hotmail.com or 902-691-6841.
We will be looking for dona%ons for the lunch, as well as volunteers. Please let us know if you're available to help!
2016 Hantsport Calendars - We are looking for photo submissions for the 2016 Hantsport & Area Calendar. We had an
overwhelming success with this fundraiser last year! Entries can be submi ed to hantsporthomeandschool@hotmail.com. Deadline for entries is Friday, October 30th.
Pictures should be landscape (rather than portrait), not edited using any online programs, of places rather than people
(due to privacy laws), new prints or a photo from a previous collec%on, any season. This is not a student limited project,
community members can submit as well.
Our next monthly mee%ng will take place Wednesday, October 14th at 7pm. See you there!
Ms. B’s Corner
School has been off to a busy start! It has been great to have our students return with
such posi%ve aCtudes and excitement over our wonderful renova%ons and upgrades!
Things seem to be shaping up for a successful year for all.
We celebrated Whirled Peace by the whole school making pinwheels. Thank you to the
girls in Grade 6 for their presenta%on!
This month we will be busy taking part in the We Scare Hunger campaign; collec%ng non
-perishable food items for our local food bank. Our students will collect items at both a middle school and
elementary dance this month, as well as, fanning out around our town for an aIernoon town-wide collec%on! A no%ce will be sent home outlining these upcoming events. This campaign helps to earn our way to
We Day, held on November 27th!
Members of our Ci%zenship Commi ee will be assis%ng with the jewelry sale at our Harvest Fes+val here in
town. If there is gently used jewelry to be donated, please drop off at our office. This sale benefits the KingsKikima Grandmothers that work together to support the orphans of the village, Kikima in Kenya.
September brought us the 250th Anniversary for the Hants County Exhibi%on!!! 4H weekend was a huge success. Our local 4-H club, the Border Riders will be star%ng up a new year at the end of this month; a selected
date will be posted in the school lobby this month with more details. This is an amazing organiza%on and valuable opportunity for youth to learn life skills, be crea%ve, prac%ce leadership, to learn about agriculture,
livestock and down-home values, as well as, build new rela%onships! The Border Riders meet at the Mount
Denson Hall. Fee is $30.00 for the year, and there is a monthly mee%ng collec%on fee of $1.00. Parents are
encouraged to a end the mee%ng. Goldie McDow is a contact, if more informa%on is required. She may
reached at 684-9324.
Our Family Studies students have been brainstorming and discussing possibili%es for healthy cold lunches
packed at home, in light of our renova%ons and as part of a school-wide effort to have our students make
responsible, healthy food choices. They have put a lot of thought into this, having had classroom discussions
and brainstorming sessions.
Magazines are s+ll needed! If you have extras, it would be great if you would like to donate them to our
school; just drop off at the office for Ms Brothers!
Packing lunches can be difficult for some students and their families, so in an a empt to help with the monotony, here are some sugges%ons that our students came up with! J
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Cold toasted or fresh bagel with cream cheese
Crackers, cheese, yogurt and fruit
Subs%tute nut bu er, such as ‘WOW Bu er’…try it, tastes like the real thing!
Meat sandwich and cheese
Cold pizza
Ms. B’s Corner (con nued)
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A submarine sandwich…try different buns, like cheese bins or onion rolls
Taco salad made from leIover tacos!
Egg salad in a container with veggie s%cks and or pita bread
Devilled eggs, nuts and some cold meat and cheese
Green salads, Caesar salad cups, dressing on the side
Pasta salad, tradi%onal or leIover s%r fry mixed into pasta with Italian dressing
or
Asian dressing
Fruit kebabs and cheese and crackers
Veggies and dip (homemade, salad dressing, tzatziki, baba ganouj
Hummus and pitas
Fruit salsa and pitas and trail mix!
Wraps: leIover chicken, hot sauce, ranch, le uce and cuke!
Wraps: pizza sauce, cold cuts, cheese, green pepper!
Wrap: Wow bu er and banana
Fruit salad
Yogurt and fruit and granola cup
Sushi Sandwich Rolls
Lunch Fun-due: Cubed ham, chicken, cheese to dip into mixture of salsa and sour cream, crackers on
the side
Tos%tos and cold salsa dip: layer sour cream, salsa and grated cheddar cheese, top with diced peppers
Container of cereal with a container of milk, and a side of half a sandwich
Try something different! Hope this helps! J
A bo2le drive will take place in early November to raise money for our end of year trips in the middle
school. Parent/student %me and volunteering is needed to raise the funds necessary for such ou%ngs. Look
for no%ces to go home towards the end of October. J
We are entering into a busy %me of year, with celebra%ons, fundraising, prepara%on for days of remembrance and acts of ci%zenship in the upcoming weeks and month. This is all in addi%on to daily rou%nes, extra
-curricular ac%vi%es and homework. It is important to know that all middle level students are expected to carry their agenda and homework folders to each and every class, every day. Agendas are checked every morning in my class for a parent/guardian signature. It is the student’s responsibility to get his or her agenda
checked and signed. The purpose of this is to ensure communica%on between the student, parent/guardian
and their teachers. Each student has a yellow homework folder that should contain no%ces, forms, and
homework to be completed at home. Consistent check-ins at home, as well as, at school help to set our students up for success. Many students need to be ‘taught’ how to be organized, with consistent expecta%ons.
Your assistance with this would be super!
Happy Fall everyone! Ms B
October is Mi’Kmaq
History Month
October 2015
Sun
4
Mon
5
Boys Soccer
Playoff HOME
Gane vs. EMS
Tue
Wed
6 RESCHEDULED 7
Elementary CC meet
@ Gaspereau
4:00 pm CC Jr High
@ Horton
Thu
Fri
8
3:30 pm CC
ementary @
Williams
9
Sat
10
El- Pumpkin
Port
orders
due
Girls Soccer Playoff 11:30 am EARLY
HOME Game vs.WH DISMISSAL
11
12
13
THANKSGIVING
3:00 pm CC JrH
meet @ Lockhart
Ryan New Minas
3:30 pm CC
Elementary @ KCA
Boys Soccer Playoff
HOME Game vs.
Coldbrook
PICTURE
RETAKES
NO SCHOOL
18
19
20
26
Jr. High CC
Provincials @
Northunberland
21 Home & School
15
27
28 Heritage Fair
16
17 Home &
School Craft
Sale and Chili
Lunch
9 am—2 pm
22
23 Provincial
Conference Day
NO SCHOOL
24
29
30 Pictures due
for Home &
School calendar
project
31
7:00 pm
JR High CC
Regionals @
Lockhart Ryan
25
14
Pinwheels for Peace
Terry Fox Walk 2015